Movie spotlight
The Cimarron Kid
Audie Murphy comes into his own as a Western star in this story. Wrongly accused by crooked railroad officials of aiding a train heist by his old friends the Daltons, he joins their gang and becomes an active participant in other robberies. Betrayed by a fellow gang member, Murphy becomes a fugitive in the end. Seeking refuge at the ranch of a reformed gang member, he hopes to flee with the man's daughter to South America, but he's captured in the end and led off to jail. The girl promises to wait.
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Plot Summary
The film chronicles the life of William "Billy the Kid" H. Bonney, a young outlaw who joins the notorious Doolin-Dalton Gang. As he becomes entangled in their robberies and exploits, he grapples with his own morality and the violent path he is treading. The narrative follows his journey through the American West as he tries to escape his past and find his own identity amidst the lawlessness of the era.
Critical Reception
The Cimarron Kid was generally met with a mixed to positive reception. While not considered a landmark Western, it was praised for its straightforward storytelling and Audie Murphy's earnest performance. Some critics found it to be a standard, albeit competently made, entry in the Western genre of its time.
What Reviewers Say
A solid, if unremarkable, Western starring Audie Murphy.
Features typical Western tropes and a familiar outlaw narrative.
Appreciated for its action sequences and Murphy's portrayal of a complex outlaw.
Google audience: Information regarding specific Google user reviews and their consensus for 'The Cimarron Kid (1952)' is not readily available.
Awards & Accolades
None notable.
Fun Fact
Audie Murphy, who plays Billy the Kid, was the most decorated American soldier of World War II and brought his real-life wartime experiences into many of his subsequent film roles, often portraying stoic or heroic characters.
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